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Water Drinking Water Quality Standards

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Drinking water, also known as potable water or improved drinking water is safe enough for drinking and food preparation. Globally, in 2012, 89% of people had access to water suitable for drinking. Nearly 4 billion had access to tap water while another 2.3 billion had access to wells or public taps. The amount of drinking water required is variable. For those working in a hot climate, up to 16 liters a day may be required. Infants are about 70% to 80% water while the elderly are around 45%.
Typically in developed countries, tap water meets drinking water quality standards, even though only a small proportion is actually consumed or used in food preparation. Other typical uses include washing, toilets, and irrigation. Greywater may also be used for toilets or irrigation. Its use for irrigation however may be associated with risks. The British Dietetic Association recommends 1.8 litres. However, various reviews of the evidence performed in 2002 and 2008 could not find any solid scientific evidence recommending eight glasses of water per day. In the United States, the reference daily intake for total water intake is 3.7 litres per day for human males older than 18, and 2.7 L/day for human females older than 18 which includes drinking water, water in beverages, and water contained in food. An individual 's thirst provides a better guide for how much water they require rather than a specific, fixed quantity. Water generated from the biochemical metabolism of nutrients provides a

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